Dispenser for pouched contents

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a dispenser for dispensing a continuous strip of pouches. The dispenser comprises a box with right ( 14   a ) and left ( 14   b ) side panels wherein one of the side panels includes a tuck flap insert ( 24 ), a rear panel ( 18   a ) and a rear panel glue flap ( 18   b ), a pair of bottom closure panels ( 16   a,    16   b ) and bottom closure flaps ( 16   c,    16   d ), a pair of top closure panels ( 12   a ,  12   b ) and a top closure flap ( 12   c ) wherein one of the top panels includes a top tuck flap ( 22 ) adapted to fit into the tuck flap insert ( 24 ), and a front section ( 20 ). The front section includes lower and upper front panels and a gate flap ( 26 ). The gate flap touches one of the top closure panels such that the strip of pouches within the box can be dispensed out the front section and held in place by the gate flap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a dispenser for dispensing a continuous strip of pouches. The dispenser comprises a box that includes right and left side panels wherein one of the side panels includes a tuck flap insert, a rear panel and a rear panel glue flap, a pair of bottom closure panels and bottom closure flaps, a pair of top closure panels and a top closure flap wherein one of the top panels includes a top tuck flap extending therefrom adapted to fit into the tuck flap insert, and a front section. The front section includes lower and upper front panels wherein the upper front panel angles inward and upward with respect to the interior of the box, a gate flap connected along a perimeter edge with the upper front panel that angles back outward and further upward. The gate flap terminates approaches or touches one of the top closure panels such that the continuous strip of pouches contained within the box can be dispensed out the front section and held in place by the gate flap while also preventing the continuous strip of pouches from being retracted into the box.

The dispenser panels can be comprised of paperboard, cardboard, polymer, and metallic material and any combinations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a blank that can be formed into a dispenser.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a continuous strip of pouches suitable for use with the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a continuous strip of pouches suitable for use with the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the dispenser.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the dispenser.

FIG. 6 is a first isometric view of the dispenser.

FIG. 7 is a second isometric view of the dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention disclose a dispenser for dispensing a continuous feed of a strip of connected pouches. The pouches can contain prescription medication, vitamins, or other small objects. The dispenser is generally a box constructed from a pre-cut and shaped paperboard blank. Once constructed, the dispenser can be loaded with a continuous strip of connected pouches such that the strip can be withdrawn or removed a pouch at a time. Certain design elements and attributes maintain the strip in an operative position within the dispenser. The dispenser also includes a biased gate flap that prevents the strip from being re-fed back into the dispenser the way it just exited.

The dispenser is shown as being made from a foldable paperboard pre-cut blank. However, the dispenser may be constructed of other materials including, but not limited to, cardboard, polymer, metal, etc., or combinations thereof.

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a blank 10 that can be formed into a dispenser. The blank 10 is generally comprised of a series of panels that comprise the front, rear, sides, top, and bottom of the dispenser. Additional features in the front provide the dispenser with the ability to hold and dispense a continuous strip of pouches. Viewing the illustrated blank 10 of FIG. 1, there is shown a first top closure panel 12 a, a second top closure panel 12 b and a top closure flap 12 c. Also shown are right and left side panels 14 a, 14 b. Top closure panel 12 b further includes a top tuck flap 22 that is designed to fit within a tuck flap insert 24 that is located along the seam where top closure panel 12 a and right side panel 14 a meet. The top tuck flap 22 and tuck flap insert 24 provide a locking mechanism for the dispenser to keep it from unfolding upon assembly. Also shown are a pair of bottom closure panels 1 a, 16 b and a pair of bottom closure flaps 16 c, 16 d as well as a rear panel 18 a and a rear panel glue flap 18 b. Bottom closure panels 16 a and 16 b include partial score lines that assist in the assembly of the dispenser by holding the bottom together. A front panel 20 extends about one half the height of the right and left side panels 14 a, 14 b leaving space for an opening into the cavity defined by the dispenser when assembled. The upper half of the front side is comprised of an upper front panel 28 that is connected to the right and left side panels 14 a, 14 b. Semi-perforated score lines 32 allow the upper front panel 28 to be easily folded such that the upper front panel 28 provides a resting surface for pouches being dispensed from the dispenser. The upper front panel 28 also includes a gate flap 26. The gate flap 26 acts as a one way valve that allows pouches to be withdrawn from the dispenser when assembled but not to be re-inserted. The gate flap 26 and upper front panel 28 are separated by an elliptical score 27 that allows the gate flap 26 to be partially folded back over the upper front panel 28. Once assembled the upper front panel 28 and gate flap 26 collapse into the interior of the dispenser into a fixed position/angle that allows for continuous feeding of pouches as well as a landing area for the pouches to rest upon. The gate flap 26 is angled such that the pouches can only be moved easily in a single direction. The upper front panel 28 further includes a plurality of parallel ribs 34 that provide enhanced strength to the upper front panel 28.

The blank 10 is generally assembled by folding along the seams of the various panels into a box like dispenser apparatus. Once the box is assembled, rear panel glue flap 18 b will be on the interior side of the dispenser and can be adhered to rear panel 18 a which will be on the exterior.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a continuous strip of pouches 60 suitable for use with the dispenser. The pouch contents 66 can include pharmaceutical, vitamin, or other small objects. Each pouch 62 is separated by a perforation line 64 that can be completely severed by manual manipulation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a continuous strip of pouches 60 suitable for use with the dispenser. The pouches 62 are generally laid out in a continuous strip and folded back over one another repeatedly to form a stack that can be inserted into an assemble dispenser. The continuous strip of pouches 60 can be inserted into the dispenser by removing top tuck flap 22 from tuck flap insert 24 and lifting top closure panels 12 a and 12 b to expose the interior cavity of the dispenser. The continuous strip of pouches 60 can then be laid into the dispenser such that one end is proximate to the opening defined by the upper front panel 28 and gate flap 26. The first pouch 62 can be withdrawn to the extent that it rests upon the upper front panel 28 and can be easily grasped and pulled by manual manipulation. The gate flap 26 is biased upwards and gently presses against the top closure panels 12 a, 12 b of the dispenser such that it can retain the continuous strip of pouches in place. The gate flap 26 also is angled forward such that pulling on the continuous strip of pouches 60 will allow the pouches to be removed from the dispenser. However, the angle of the gate flap 26 will prevent the continuous strip of pouches 60 from being “stuffed” or forced back into the dispenser.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the dispenser showing a continuous strip of pouches 60 contained within the internal chamber of the dispenser. In this view, the front of the dispenser is to the left. Front panel 20 rises about one half the height of left side panel 14 b. Upper front panel 28 angles inward and upward with respect to the interior chamber of the dispenser. Gate flap 26 is connected to upper front panel 28 along elliptical score 27 and angles backward and upward over upper front panel 28 until it makes contact with top closure panel 12 a. The continuous strip of pouches 60 is shown folded accordion style and set within the chamber of the dispenser. The leading pouch 62 is sticking out from the dispenser such that gate flap 26 is pressing against the next pouch and holding it in place within the dispenser. When the user wishes to tear off a pouch he gently pulls the strip out until he can grasp the lead pouch and tear it along its perforation 64 with the next pouch. Based on the angles of the upper front panel 28 and the gate flap 26, the continuous strip of pouches 60 remains in place and cannot be accidentally forced back into the dispenser. It is a quick, easy, and convenient apparatus for dispensing a continuous strip of pouches 60.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the dispenser. Front panel 20 is connected with upper front panel 28 along a foldable seam. Upper front panel 28 angles back and up relative to front panel 20 in this view. Gate flap 26 is connected to upper front panel 28 along elliptical score line 27 and angles up and forward relative to upper front panel 28 until it contacts top closure panel 12 a. An outline of rear panel glue flap 18 b as well as rear panel 18 a can be seen looking straight through the front off the dispenser.

FIG. 6 is a first isometric view of the dispenser. Front panel 20 is connected with upper front panel 28 along a foldable seam. Upper front panel 28 angles back and up relative to front panel 20 in this view. The upper front panel 28 is connected to right and left side panels 14 a, 14 b with the aid of semi-perforated score lines 32. Gate flap 26 is foldable with upper front panel 28 along elliptical score line 27 and angles up and forward relative to upper front panel 28 until it contacts top closure panel 12 b. Also shown are a plurality of ribs 34 that provide additional strength and stability to upper front panel 28. The remaining elements and panels that comprise the dispenser can also be seen.

FIG. 7 is a second isometric view of the dispenser further illustrating the assembly and construction of the dispenser.

Suitably, the package may, for example, be used to store pharmaceuticals preparations requiring repeat periodic dosage regimens. As used herein, the term “pharmaceutical preparation” is intended to include prescribed or over the counter drugs or supplements, vitamins or other medicaments, or any other materials suitable for containment in a package of foil/paperboard or plastic construction.

It is believed that the present invention includes many other embodiments that may not be herein described in detail, but would nonetheless be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the disclosures made. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be read as being limited only to the foregoing examples or only to the designated preferred embodiments. 

1. A dispenser for dispensing a continuous strip of pouches, the dispenser comprising: a box comprised of: a pair of side panels each having at least one shared perimeter edge wherein one of the side panels includes a tuck flap insert; at least one rear panel having at least one shared perimeter edge; at least one bottom closure panel and at least one bottom closure flap, the at least one bottom closure panel having at least one shared perimeter edge; at least one top closure panel and at least one top closure flap, one of said at least one top closure panel having at least one shared perimeter edge wherein one of the top panels includes a top tuck flap extending therefrom adapted to fit into the tuck flap insert; and a front section comprised of: a front panel; an upper front panel connected along a perimeter edge with the front panel wherein said upper front panel angles inward and upward with respect to the interior of the box, and further coupled on either side with the side panels; a gate flap connected along a perimeter edge with the upper front panel that angles back outward and further upward; and wherein the gate flap terminates substantially close to or touches a top closure panel such that the continuous strip of pouches contained within the box can be dispensed out the front section and held in place by the gate flap, and further wherein the angle of the gate flap prevents the continuous strip of pouches from being retracted into the box.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a rear panel glue flap.
 3. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the side, rear, top, and front section panels and flaps are comprised of paperboard material.
 4. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the box is assembled from a paperboard blank of the side, rear, top, and front section panels and flaps.
 5. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the side, rear, top, and front section panels and flaps are comprised of a polymer material.
 6. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the side, rear, top, and front section panels and flaps are comprised of cardboard material.
 7. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the side, rear, top, and front section panels and flaps are comprised of metallic material.
 8. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the side, rear, top, and front section panels and flaps are comprised of any combination of paperboard, cardboard, polymer, and metallic material.
 9. A blank for forming a box dispenser for dispensing a continuous strip of pouches right and left side panels wherein one of the side panels includes a tuck flap insert; at least one rear panel; at least one bottom closure panel; at least one bottom closure flap; at least one top closure panel wherein one of the at least one top closure panels includes a top tuck flap extending therefrom adapted to fit into the tuck flap insert; a front section comprised of: a front panel; an upper front panel connected along a perimeter edge with the front panel and further connected along either side to the right and left side panels; and a gate flap connected along a perimeter edge with the upper front panel. 